Joy Found Here

What books or pieces of writing have impacted you? Stories are an incredible way to learn, connect with others, and even change how you view life. 

In this episode, I am so excited to be joined by the wonderful Susan Cushman. Susan is an author, mother, grandmother, and an incredible storyteller. Born and raised in Mississippi and now residing in Memphis, Susan credits both of these places as great influences on the short stories, essays, and novels that she writes. At the age of 70, Susan has proven that it truly is never too late to do what you want in life. Throughout this episode, Susan explains her background, the path that led her to becoming a published author, and all about how her most recent book, John and Mary Margaret, was shaped by the racial crisis in our country. 

Susan’s published pieces include her most recent novel, John and Mary Margaret, short stories called Friends of the Library, her memoir Tangles and Plaques: A Mother and Daughter Face Alzheimer’s, and her first novel, Cherry Bomb.  Susan has also edited three collections of essays: A Second Blooming: Becoming the Women We Are Meant to Be, Southern Writers Writing, and The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate 20 Years! In addition, she has written over a dozen essays published in four anthologies and various journals and magazines.

Tune in to Episode 20 of The Joy Found Here podcast to learn about Susan’s writing career, the events that have inspired her books, and her passion for storytelling!

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Susan’s background (2:44)
• Susan’s path to a career in writing (7:57)
• The events that shaped Susan’s writing of John and Mary Margaret (16:56)
• About Susan’s two-week book tour (25:57)
• The purpose behind the title ‘Cherry Bomb’ (33:08)

Resources Mentioned

• Book - Caste by Isabel Wilkerson 

Connect with Susan 

• Website
• Books
• Facebook

Let’s Connect:

• Website